Germany's Handball Team Gears Up for Crucial Rematch Against Portugal at European Championship

Germany's handball team is preparing for a pivotal rematch against Portugal in the European Championship's main round, following their quarterfinal loss to the same opponents in the 2025 World Cup. The match, held in Herning, Denmark, is highly anticipated, given the stakes involved and the history between the teams.

Goalkeeper Andreas Wolff, who made an impressive 22 saves in the World Cup quarterfinal, admitted that frustration over the prior defeat lingered but expressed confidence in the team’s readiness. Wolff highlighted Portugal's growth since their last encounter, noting their blend of experienced players like the Costa brothers and emerging talent, which has transformed them into a formidable squad. He emphasized the respect Germany holds for Portugal’s strength and unity.

Germany enters this match with momentum, having narrowly defeated Spain 34-32 in an exhilarating game that drew around seven million viewers. Coach Alfred Gíslason praised Germany’s strong performance against Spain but acknowledged the challenge ahead. Initially expecting Denmark in the next round, Gíslason had to recalibrate his strategy after Portugal's surprising 31-29 victory over Denmark on home ground. He recognized Portugal’s impressive progress and recent success, which makes them a tough adversary.

The European Championship main round is often described as a 'death group' due to the presence of multiple strong teams, including Norway, Denmark, and France, alongside Germany and Portugal. Each match is expected to be fiercely contested, akin to a final, with Germany aiming to reach the semifinals and secure their first medal since 2016.

Off the court, the German team has bolstered their camaraderie with team-building moments, such as a shared meal at a local restaurant, strengthening their collective morale.

As Germany prepares for this crucial rematch, the focus is firmly on avenging the World Cup loss and advancing deeper into the tournament. With high emotions, tactical adjustments, and a motivated squad led by key players like Wolff, Germany looks poised for a hard-fought contest.